우리는 오늘 또한번 과거와 만나는 시간을 갖게 됩니다.
그리스 아테나에 위치한 시티서커스 호스텔은 100년된 오래된 저택을 개조하여
많은 사람들이 편안하게 찾을 수 있는 퍼블릭 숙박시설을 제공합니다.
여기 이전 시간의 많은 요소들은 호스텔의 빈티지공간을 채우는 모티브로 작용합니다.
외부를 감싸고 있는 고풍스러운 바로크 양식의 타일, 천장에 그려진 오랜된 천장벽화등은
간결하게 정리된 모던한 스페이스와 맞물리며 모던한 빈티지 공간을 살립니다.
그리고 여기에 공간을 채우는 빈티지 소품들과 가구들 또한 편안한 휴식공간을
제공합니다. 그렇습니다 시티서커스 호스텔이 보여주는 것처럼 값비싼 재료와
가구가 공간의 퀄리티를 올려주는 매개체는 아닙니다. 그것보다는 공간의 진정성을
살펴 볼 수 있도록 공간이 가지고 있는 특성을 잘 살리는 것이 가장 중요합니다.
그리스 유서깊은 역사 한조각을 담아 갑니다.
reviewed by SJ
Two hostels on Yatzer within
two weeks of one another? It seems we may be in the midst of a trend. So
has the hostel finally shaken its reputation for its gloomy 'musty'
atmosphere and institutional design? Once known more for accommodating
rowdy, alcohol loving students on holiday, the hostel is stepping up its
game and going after an entirely different clientele.
It would
make sense, one would hope, that given the economy the option would now
exist for travel without breaking the bank. There has to be an in
between for a more adventurous traveler who still enjoys the basic
comforts of hotel living. So, if we have to forego the Tcherassi’s of the world for a few trips, why not check out a hip hostel? Let’s see what City Circus is all about.
Inside the pale yellow exterior, the four-story twenty-five room hostel
was built in a newly restored and over one hundred year old mansion.
Original details were kept where possible; the frescoed ceilings were
restored in the lounge and dining areas (and they really are quite
stunning), iron balconies peek out onto the streets, and baroque tiles
add an aged and wise beauty to the building. Think boutique hotel but
pared down to bare bones. Sure, you’re not going to find 400 thread
count sheets on these beds but attention has been paid to detail, and it
is clear from the thoughtful design and vibrant art work that this is
not the hostel of our college years. The small details let you know that
your comfort has been considered and this adds to the overall
experience; an overall minimalist design, bright green blankets, small
baroque framed mirrors in the bathrooms, night lights on either side of a
double bed, reclaimed and vintage furniture sprinkled throughout the
hostel bring character and depth to the rooms. Art work sourced from
local artists line the walls. There are two bars with similar
“mismatched” flea market chairs and décor which definitely works
too. The bar experience on the roof is elevated by the sheer proximity
to the magical Acropolis which literally stares down at you as you take
in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood below.
And an excellent neighborhood it is. Psirri is located in central Athens, Greece
and it is the hip place to be. Lively bars and cafes line the busy
streets, the market square by Monastiraki is perfect for people
watching, and many local street artists come here to sell their wares.
In fact, there is plenty of local flavor to be shared with people from
all over the world. And the setting is down to earth, a nice rest even,
from the upscale boutique hotels and white tablecloth brunches one may
be accustomed to. Here, you are immersed in culture, YOU are the
experience, and it feels as though you are amongst friends. There is an
overall youthful energy to Psirri, and come to think of it, to City Circus as well.
City Circus embraces what has come to be known as the 'adventurer', 'explorer' way of life. Inviting the 'Acrobats' of the world (literally translating to a 'person that lives on the edge') to 'dwell in the surreal, to embrace the weird, to explore with freedom'. And to be honest, letting loose and 'getting weird' sounds good right about now. Amidst all of the economic turmoil and the worries that have plagued Greece in recent years, it is refreshing to find a place that does not take itself so seriously. This is a place that offers comfort and shelter to the traveler that chooses their own path, explorers looking for something inside themselves or hidden amidst the ruins of Athens. The energy surrounding City Circus and the ethos at the core of their operation is pure and good, and for this they are doing something wonderful in the ancient city that has gone through too many troubles in recent years.
from yatzer